Sean Michael Flannery, 29, of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, was born Feb 12, 1981. He graduated from Wyomissing High School in 1999 and Shippensburg University in 2003 with a major in business, where he also played LaCrosse.
"He was a real good guy. He was quiet." Charlie Kuhns, uncle.
"Sean was just a very special fine young man who really had a great future." Charlene Flannery, mother.
"So many people including myself have been so blessed to have known such a true hero with a kindred soul!" Kim Oravetz, schoolmate.
"We would always be down in the basement, where the video games were. It was a guarantee that four or five times someone would have to come yell down at us because we'd end up wrestling or something." Danny Kuhns, cousin.
"Sean knew just how to put a smile on anyone's face, not only a terrific friend but also a great inspiration to many." Elaina Murguia, friend.
"His father was an 82nd Airborne Veteran of the Viet Nam War and a lawyer.
"Sean was a wonderful young man." P. David Maynard, Reading Attorney and Family Friend.
Flannery was an Infantryman assigned to Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). He joined the Army in July 2004 and arrived at Fort Campbell in April 2009.
"There are a lot of good guys in the Army, but he was really something. He was just a top-of-the-line guy, and the best soldier you could ask for. The best memory I have was that he did a great impression of 1st Sgt. Reed. It was good, it was all in fun. Impressions are flattery." SSG Rick Cooper, 82nd Airborne Veteran.
"One of the finest paratroopers I had the honor of serving with." Jeff Caspersen, 82nd Airborne.
"You were one of the best teachers I have ever had! You have affected my life in the best way! I will miss the long talks we shared about life and our views on everything!" Mike Lewis, Fellow Soldier.
"I probably learned more from you than you did from me. I will carry you with me everwhere I go. You are my hero and I will measure all great men to you." Gerald Kidd Rouse, friend.
He had previously served two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan.
His awards and decorations include: Bronze Star Medal(2); Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal; Purple Heart; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Afghanistan Campaign Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Combat Infantry Badge; Expert Infantryman Badge; Parachutist Badge; and Air Assault Badge.
Flannery is survived by his mother, Charlene V. Flannery, of Wyomissing, PA, brother SGT Brian P Flannery, 82nd Airborne, and brother Devin J Flannery; and fiancee Christina E Martin of Raleigh, NC.
He was remembered November 30, 2010 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Reading, PA.